How to Make Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso at Home: A Divine Drink
Shaken espresso! If you don’t have an idea about this shaken espresso, then you have come to the right place. Smooth, well-balanced ingredients with cinnamon and light caramel flavor, just make this drink so yummy.
This shaken espresso is a modification of the Italian shakerato. Traditionally, ice and espresso are mixed and then shaken to make the shakerato. But now, in a modified version, milk, syrups, and espresso are shaken to create the brown sugar shaken espresso.
What Is Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?
As its name suggests, this drink doesn’t require a long process. You will just need a couple of ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare it. It consists of strong espresso shots with vanilla syrup.
Lastly, milk is added, and all you need to do is vigorously shake it with ice cubes. That’s literally all you need to do to make this. It seems like it tastes almost the same as other variations, but there are small differences. These are the process and, obviously, the taste of it.
Why Try Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?
This espresso is definitely different from other versions, like macchiato or latte. It is pretty strong and tastes well-balanced. This is because of the shaking process, which does not mix the espresso finely but adds a foamy texture.
For this reason, it may taste stronger but not bitter like macchiato or Americano.
Ingredients You Will Need
The ingredients are very simple. If you maintain the quality of these, you will definitely have a good drink.
Espresso
Espresso is used as a base here. At Starbucks, they use 3 shots, but here, I am using 2 shots. You can always set the amount according to your choice. You can use any coffee bean here.
Arabica is one of my favorites. Brewed coffee is not that dense because it uses more water, so you may not get that strong espresso flavor even after adding two shots of it. Instant coffee is also a good choice.
It definitely saves you time. If you want to be more proficient at making espresso without a machine then check out our article How to make espresso without a machine.
Espresso
Espresso is used as a base here. At Starbucks, they use 3 shots, but here, I am using 2 shots. You can always set the amount according to your choice. You can use any coffee bean here.
Arabica is one of my favorites. Brewed coffee is not that dense because it uses more water, so you may not get that strong espresso flavor even after adding two shots of it. Instant coffee is also a good choice.
It definitely saves you time. If you want to be more proficient at making espresso without a machine then check out our article How to make espresso without a machine.
Milk
There are also many variations in milk. Different sources are available to produce milk. It’s totally your preference. I like to use homemade oat milk here. It’s very easy to make and gets foamy easily. Milk adds a silky and smooth texture to it.
Plus, the foam in this drink makes it even more visual, and it feels good while taking a sip from it. These slightly sweet, airy foams just melt in your mouth.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is the key ingredient here. It adds a caramelized taste to it besides the sweetness. This sugar is available in any market.
If you can’t find the authentic brown sugar in the market, then buy some molasses. By using this, you can prepare it at home easily. You don’t have the do too much thing, just add some molasses with white sugar.
You can add molasses according to your taste. Or you can also use brown sugar syrup.
How to make brown sugar syrup?
To make brown sugar syrup, first, take some water in a saucepan and put it on the stove. Add some sugar, vanilla (in any form), and a dash of cinnamon powder for more flavor. Simmer it for 2-3 minutes, the maximum time is 5 minutes.
It’s done. Now, let it cool and then use it. It starts thickening as it gets cold. You can make it in a small portion for every drink. If not, make it in a bigger portion and store it in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Vanilla
Any form of vanilla can be used here to increase flavors. But it is optional. Cinnamon powder will be good enough. If you want more flavor, then add vanilla to it.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon takes this drink to a different level. It adds some spicy flavor to it with its sweet aroma. Use it as a powder. For that, take some cinnamon sticks and blend them in a blender.
Ice Cubes
As it is a cold beverage, you will definitely need ice cubes. Because while shaking it, ice cubes not only make it cold but also help to create air bubbles.
Shaker
If you have a cocktail shaker, try to use this one. This is one of the main things differentiating this drink from others.
Mason Jar
If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar is here to solve your problem. It works similarly to a shaker.
How To Make Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso?
The process is very straightforward. You can just do it in a short time by following these given steps. You will need
Espresso – 2 shots
Milk – 3/4 cup
Brown sugar syrup – 2 tablespoons
Or Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
Ice cubes
Cinnamon powder 1/2 teaspoon
Step 1 – Prepare The Milk
Steamed milk is not necessary. So, the milk will be cold or at a normal temperature. This means that any dense liquid or syrup will take time to mix.
To prevent that from happening, take the milk into a glass and then add the vanilla syrup. Stir this mixture nicely. When the syrup dilutes into the milk properly, stop stirring.
Using Brown Sugar
Mix the brown sugar with the warm espresso until it dissolves. Then, add some cinnamon powder to it. After preparing this flavorful espresso, mix milk into it.
Step 2 – Mix All The Ingredients
After the first step, pour this mixture into a mason jar or shaker. Then add espresso to it. To make it cold and foamy, add ice cubes to it.
Step 3 – The Shaken Process
Close the lid of the mason jar or the shaker. And shake it for 2-3 minutes continuously. Not more time will be needed to prepare this.
Step 4 – It’s Time To Serve
Take off the lid and pour the mixture into a glass with ice. The ice was used in a shaker pour those also. If you want you can add more ice to it.
Many people don’t add the ice they used in a shaker or in a jar. But, you will see that some foam gets stuck at the bottom of the shaker because of that ice. Those foam can’t get out easily like the liquid does. So, using those ice cubes will provide you more froth. Then, serve it as is. For more sweetness, you can spread some vanilla syrup on top.
Garnishing Tips
You can use cold foams. Take some milk and make it foamy using an electric frother. You can use some vanilla extract to it for a flavoured foam. Use some cinnamon powder on the top to garnish it.
Whipped cream will also look gorgeous. Take some heavy cream, beat it until it gets stiff, and then use it on the top of this drink. You can use a piping bag to decorate the top with whipped cream.
Calories In Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
It depends on the quantity of the ingredients you use. A brown sugar shaken espresso has 120 calories, but adding whipping cream or more syrup than 2 tablespoons would add more calories.
FAQs
Does a shaken espresso taste less strong like a latte?
Shaken espresso is stronger than a latte. It happens because of the milk proportion. In the latte, a bigger portion of milk is used. On the other hand, in shaken espresso, milk is used less in portions than in latte.
What is better, brown sugar syrup or just brown sugar?
Both will give the same flavors to this drink. According to your preference, you can use any method.
What would be the taste of it if I use white sugar in this recipe?
To be honest, this drink’s specialty will be destroyed. So, as mentioned above, try to use brown sugar or make this sugar at home.
Conclusion
Making this at home is time saving for sure. Also, it costs less than a cafe-bought shaken brown sugar espresso. You can also try different variations of this drink and experiment as you like.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
